Solution : The system in question is composed of rigid bodies. However, internally the system can change its MI by virtue of changing positions of hands and weights held in them. The hand maneuvering, however, is internal to the system and does not affect angular momentum of the system.

Now, let us determine if there is external force and thereby external torque on the system. Force, resulting from rotation at the axis, does not constitute torque. On the other hand, we can consider the whole system as one, the weight of which acts through the center of mass. Thus, we can say that the weight of the system do not constitute torque.

We may argue that the weights of outstretched hands and weights kept in them constitute torque about the center of mass of the system. Even if we look at the system parts in this fashion, two torques acts in opposite directions due to each of the weights. They act in horizontal plane (apply right hand rule of vector product) and balance each other. We, therefore, can safely conclude that there is no external torque on the system and apply law of conservation of momentum in component form in the vertical direction.

Rotation of the system

A person folds his hands drawing weights towards the axis.

If subscripts "i" and "f" correspond to initial and final values of the system, then :

Li=LfIiωi=Ifωf

⇒ωf=IiωiIf

From the question,
Ii=I and
If=I2 ,

Putting these values, we have :

⇒ωf=2ωi=-2ω

Negative sign indicates that angular velocity is clockwise.

In order to answer the second part of the question, we need to understand the process of folding hands. We see that folding of hands has resulted in the increase of angular kinetic energy of the system as angular speed has doubled. The change in angular kinetic energy of the system is given by :

ΔK=12Ifωf2-12Iiωi2

Putting values,

⇒ΔK=12xI2x(2ω)2-12Iω2=12Iω2

Note that expression of kinetic energy involves magnitude of angular velocity. Hence, sign is not considered.

Now, the basic question is “where from this kinetic energy has come?” We see here that the person is applying force on the weights on his hands. This results in doing work on a part of the system i.e. weights. Work, as we know, transfers energy from one system to another. Work, here, draws muscular energy of the hands (internal energy of the person) and transfers the same to the whole system as angular kinetic energy. As no friction is involved in the process – there is no dissipation of energy either. Further, there is no vertical elevation of the weights involved as weights are moved horizontally. As such, there is no change in gravitational potential energy of the weights. Therefore, we can conclude that the kinetic energy change due to moving weights is equal to the work done on them by muscular force in accordance with Work – angular kinetic energy theorem (in order to conserve energy of the system) :

⇒W=ΔK=12Iω2

Example 2

Problem : A uniform circular platform of mass 100 kg and radius 3 m is mounted on a frictionless vertical axle and is initially stationary. A girl, weighing 60 kg, stands on the rim of the platform. She begins to walk along the rim at a speed of 1 m/s relative to the ground in clockwise direction. Is the angular momentum of the system of girl and disk-axle conserved? What is the resulting angular velocity of the platform.